Going through life on a day to day basis, I find there are so many things to worry, stress & freak out about. Makeup isn't one of them.
I love that being a makeup artist does nothing other than bring instant gratification and sense of beauty.
Lets talk makeup!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

New York fashion week is one of the busiest times of the year for designers. Getting their designs in order, putting finishing touches on their creations, hiring their staff, securing their venue.. It's all very stressful.

Henry, however, handled it with the greatest of decorum. Backstage, watching Henry work was astounding. Everything ran so smoothly, like a well oiled machine.

This year, I had the privilege and honor of being key makeup artist for Henry N. Jackson's 2010 Spring line. Along with my team comprising of Chris Lanston, Niki Manavi and Chontae Evans we created Henry's makeup vision on the lovelies in his show. An all class act, held at 320 Studios just blocks away from Bryant Park. www.320studiosnyc.com.

The Spring 2010 collection focuses on mixing cotton prints from African inspired motifs with traditional couture fabrics to mix cultures and heritages. Henry was inspired to modernize his Spring prints by artist Yinka Shonibare's fabric designs and cloth sculptures. He also used as a historical muse Nancy Cunard, the 1920's Cunard Line shipping heiress, who was bold enough to use African style mixed with European Couture looks and jewelry.

Henry has reshaped these fabrics to appeal to the International Couture style he acquired while designing for Valentino in Rome, Italy. This statement-making collection will make you re-think what fashion means for multi-cultural women.

**Henry N Jackson is an award-winning designer,“America’s Next Great Designer Award” two consecutive years and the “Rising Star Award” from International Press Association, who started his career at Oscar de la Renta after graduating Parsons School of Design and was quickly hired away to Valentino in Rome to design for his Couture customers. Henry has since designed for several international fashion labels and has sold to most leading high-end department and specialty stores in the USA, France, UK and Japan under his own label Henry N Jackson for HNJ. Henry’s collection sells in the price range of $1000- $10,000 dollars to his retail & Couture customer base.**

Monday, June 15, 2009

May30th 2009 was a day of days for me. I had the pleasure and the honor to serve as the makeup artist for Henry N. Jackson's Fall 2009-2010 Boston Fashion Show. Seriously, you can't even imagine what it was like. I will attempt to paint you a picture (and maybe even show you a few..lol).

This grand event took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Boston. This hotel provided Henry's team with a 'backstage' area to prepare and a separate ballroom for the runway show. It was HUGE!.

Backstage with the help of P.R. representative Denise Smith, things ran as smoothly as canxpected. The ladies were punctual, respectful and eager. They listened to direction and were as professional as can be. Notthat I expected any less, I mean they're models for crying out loud..LOL

The feeling in this room was that of excitement and tension. As they each tried on theirgowns and arranged their overall looks, I was fortunateenough to witness a private fashion show. Seeingthe glitz and glamor up close and personal was a rare treat. "You betta work"..teehee.. They soo did though, seriously..

I set up my area and was ready to go..I was asked to speak with some ladies that were there for a workshop on becoming a runway model about makeup. (Essentials, types of makeup, proper runway looks,application etc..) This was a welcome change of pace for me. As I went about applying makeup to Henry's models I explained my makeup choices, application techniques & answered questions while trying to keep the whole thinglight and fun. The ladies were so attentive. They asked questions, took notes and all in all seemed to go away with information they will use for future events.

One by one, each of Henry's models were dolled up and then dressed. Photo's weretaken and tension rose as these ladies lined up, ready to take the stage. His creations came to life, swishing anddraping so delicately. As they walked out, I could feel the goosebumps on my arms. There went my art and Henry's genius for all to see, judge and take in.As the ladies hurried backstage to slip into their other looks, I could see the excitement in their eyes. Everyone pitched in to help everyone. We were all dressing and undressing the girls. Strapping on shoes and touching up their makeup. It was a true team effort.

Then.....the final walk. I scurried as fast as I could to the door to catch a glimpse of it. Each beauty, shining like a star next to the other. The room roared with applause. Henry's smile was big and proud. Unbelievable!

A job well done.

Soon after, the press swarmed around him in the newsroom and his models joined him. Interviews were done and photo's were taken as onlookers salivated at the thought of being able to bend Henry's ear even for a minute. It was thrilling to watch.
Let me take a moment to tell you the most memorable part of the evening for me and for many others.... Take this in because it was unbelievable..Ready? Wait for it........ wait for it........ ok, listen(read) to this...

Henry was one model short for the show. On the spot, he asked a woman from the audience to stand in for him. She obliged. She was taken backstage where she slipped out of her clean tailored suit and into Henry's red sensational masterpiece. It fit like a glove and off she went to walk the runway. She worked it like it was her job, and the result??? Phenom!

This very happening is what almost single handedly exemplified what Henry's designs are about.... Real Women. A real woman from the audience was able to walk the runway in a HNJ design with the models. There you have it.. a "real woman" (not a model) wearing Henry N. Jackson's couture for real women.I rest my case.... for now:)